The panting prize his talons grasp,
Soared upward to the immortals’ seat;
And heedless of the suppliant’s prayer,
His captive cast, all trembling, there,
Before the Thunderer’s feet.
Thus, when my earth-bound soul to claim,
Oh eagle conqueror! stoop’st thou near,
The rushing of thy wings of flame
My bosom thrills with holy fear.
I struggle vainly ’gainst thy might—